1. "Going Bodmin"
Doctor Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes) has been forced to give up his career as an eminent surgeon, and retrain as a GP, after developing a phobia to blood. A vacancy arises in the Cornish hamlet of Portwenn following the death of the local GP. On the train journey to Cornwall for an interview for the post, Martin takes a close interest in a woman sharing his carriage. His intense scrutiny unsettles the woman and she moves to a seat in another carriage. When he arrives to be interviewed, he finds the woman is schoolteacher Louisa Glasson, the lay member of the interviewing panel.

2. "Gentlemen Prefer"
Dr. Martin Ellingham's practice is officially open for business, but his patients still treat the office as a drop-in cafe to share their ailments. Martin announces to the packed waiting room that unless they have a genuine ailment they should all leave. Stunned and embarrassed, everyone shuffles out, leaving just one man, sour-faced former teacher Roger Fenn who has a nasty cough. Martin tells Fenn he must be referred to a specialist for a biopsy on a neck lump. But Fenn accuses the doctor of time-wasting and storms out.

3. "Sh*t Happens"
Dr. Martin Ellingham makes his debut on the local radio station, Radio Portwenn. Bert Large is in dispute with his son Al over his future in the plumbing business. Their row prompts Al to leave, breaking his dad's heart. Bert shares his woes with Martin, who tells him he fell out with his father too, and still doesn't speak to him. A nasty stomach bug is sweeping through Portwenn. People are dropping like flies, and filling Martin's office.

4. "The Portwenn Effect"
It's the Portwenn Players dance, an auspicious event in the village's social calendar, and Bert is in charge of selling tickets. Louisa buys two tickets and invites Martin. But Martin doesn't do dancing, and most certainly doesn't do social occasions. Even Bert with his sharp sales tactics can't persuade him. Louisa offers her spare ticket to Mark. He thinks it must be his lucky day, especially when Bert suggests that Louisa fancies him. .

5. "Of All the Harbors in All the Towns"
An old flame of Joan's sails back into her life and whisks her off her feet. But John Slater is seriously ill with a life-threatening heart condition, as Doc Martin discovers when he insists on running tests on John. Slater wants to rekindle the love affair with Joan and sail off into the sunset with her, but Martin is anxious for Joan that she will have to nurse a very sick man.

6. "Haemophobia"
The tourist season has arrived in Portwenn. Disgruntled by the invasion of holidaymakers, Martin grimaces as he makes his way through the crowds. Then he notices an attractive woman, and stops to stare... at her chest. Not surprisingly she's annoyed at his blatancy. And she can't believe it when he says he'd like to examine her chest. Martin was actually trying to warn the woman about the dangers of sunbathing for fear of skin cancer, but his usual abrupt and quirky manner has caused offence.

Season 2

7. "Old Dogs"
Dr. Martin Ellingham is still as clumsy as ever when it comes to forming relationships with the opposite sex. Just when things were beginning to look rosily romantic between him and pretty school teacher Louisa Glasson (Caroline Catz), he made a terrible faux pas. Jealousy rears its ugly head when an old flame of Louisa's, suave architect Danny Steel arrives in Portwenn, apparently intent on romancing her again.

8. "In Loco"
Louisa is nervously awaiting an interview for promotion to head teacher of Portwenn Primary School, and she's anxious to make a good impression. But the odds seem to be stacked against her. Martin is on the board of governors, and she's not sure she can count on his vote.

9. "Blood is Thicker"
Doc Martin visits the Flint brothers at the remote country home they share with their father Victor and mother Doreen. Wallace and Paddy Flint have been suffering chronic stomach disorders, and a blood test confirms they have salmonella poisoning. Martin discovers the cause of the problem is probably the putrid contents of their fridge. But there's something else odd about this family which has a bizarre passion for taxidermy.

10. "Aromatherapy"
There's concern in Portwenn that local radio presenter Caroline Bosman (Felicity Montagu) has a drink problem. She's been heard slurring her words during her broadcasts, and she's been seen driving erratically. Her marriage to Tom (Mark Buffery) is on the rocks because of her strange behavior.

11. "Always on My Mind"
Irate husband Phil Pratt (Roger Lloyd Pack) accuses Martin of killing his wife when he comes to their house to treat her. The doctor is in the middle of examining Helen when she collapses, and before an ambulance can be called she's dead. The Pratts' next door neighbor is Martin's Aunt Joan (Stephanie Cole). She's devastated to discover her good friend Helen has died.

12. "In A Family Way"
Dr. Martin Ellingham's parents, Christopher (John Woodvine) and Margaret (Claire Bloom), make a surprise visit to Cornwall to stay with their son. The doctor hasn't spoken to his parents for seven years, and the relationship between them is barely cordial. He's puzzled why they should turn up out of the blue to see him. But he does his best to welcome them to his home, even though his father delights in sneering at his drop in status from surgeon to GP. Christopher Ellingham is a suave surgeon, oozing charm, nothing like his son.

13. "Out of the Woods"
It's just two weeks before PC Mark Mylow marries beautiful blonde Julie Mitchell (Angeline Ball), and he doesn't have a best man. He asks Dr Ellingham who flatly refuses to entertain the idea. But he finds Al Large (Joe Absolom) is willing to step into the breach. But does Al know what he has let himself in for when Mark outlines the idea for his stag weekend?

14. "Erotomania"
Mrs Tishell (Selina Cadell) has been wearing a collar to combat neck pain for years. The doctor urges her to remove it, thinking she doesn't really need it. Mrs Tishell fears removing the collar will just cause her more pain, and toys with the idea of helping herself to painkillers from the pharmacy. She does take the collar off, but it ends up with Doc Martin and Louisa calling an ambulance for her.

15. "On The Edge" (Part 1 and Part 2)
Martin learns that he is under investigation for rude and condescending behavior with the end result that he may have to go on a 2 week course to improve his people skills. Pauline advises him that he will have to find a new receptionist as she is returning to university to study nursing. Bert Large thinks he's struck gold when word gets out that a rare bird is nesting in the local cliffs so he borrows the police van to offer guided tours. Louisa Glasson's father Terry suddenly re-appears in the village accompanied by his bi-polar friend, Jonathan. Terry had left the village under a cloud when he was accused of stealing money from the lifeboat fund but he has always maintained his innocence and Louisa remains his staunchest defender. Things get serious when Jonathan stops taking his medication and takes Martin, Louisa and Pauline prisoner.

Season 3

16. "The Apple Doesn't Fall"
Martin believes Louisa may be anaemic after she passes out in front of her class. A young girl is treated for her hyperactivity when its discovered she's been taking her Mum's diet pills. And PC Joe Penhale arrives in Portwenn, arousing attention from the doc, who discovers him unconscious at the wheel of his police car.

17. "Movement"
Bert Large could be the man to put Portwenn on the culinary map. Dissatisfied with his lot in life he abandons his plumbing business to open his own restaurant. But as with Bert's previous enterprises, the new venture is fraught with problems. To make matters worse for Bert, the following day the doctor's office is inundated with patients with symptoms of food poisoning, and all claiming to have eaten at his restaurant.

18. "City Slickers"
A family of city slickers seeking a new life by the sea look set to disrupt the tranquillity of Portwenn. The family is unconventional in their lifestyle and their arrival upsets Louisa, Martin (Martin Clunes) and the other locals. They manage to gatecrash an intimate dinner Louisa has prepared for her and Martin. With their romantic plans ruined, the disgruntled doctor makes a hasty exit leaving Louisa to deal with the neighbours from hell.

19. "The Admirer"
Portwenn is becoming a hotbed of passion. Louisa is furious to discover she has a rival for Dr Martin Ellingham's affections: glamorous divorcee and hotel owner, Carrie Wilson (Louise Delamere). Can Louisa contain her jealousy and claim Martin as her man before Carrie's flirty tactics take effect? Or will he remain immune to them in typical fashion?

20. "The Holly Bears a Prickle"
It has taken three series but Doc Martin and Louisa are finally going on a date. They have found the perfect spot for romance, the stunning grounds of a country house while classical music plays.It all looks so promising, they even hold hands in front of everybody. Surely Louisa must win her man?

21. "Nowt So Queer"
Portwenn is buzzing with the news of the engagement of Dr Ellingham and headmistress Louisa Glasson. While Louisa begins to make arrangements for the wedding it's business as usual for the doctor. He's puzzled about why Beth Sawle's knee replacement wound is not responding to the treatment he's prescribed, and has become infected. He decides to visit her in the remote cottage she shares with her strange sister, Janet. The doctor discovers Janet has been refusing to allow Beth to take the antibiotics the doctor has given her. She insists a potion she has made from mushrooms growing in the cellar of their house is a much more effective and natural method of treatment. But on an inspection of the cellar the doctor discovers the mushrooms are also the cause of an outbreak of disease in the village.

22. "Happily Ever After"
It's business as usual for Dr Martin Ellingham even though it's his wedding day. He opens the office as normal to a stream of patients, including one of the bridesmaids. Louisa's best friend Isobel, who is heavily pregnant, is hit in the eye with a party popper as Roger Fenn, who is giving Louisa away, raises a toast to the bride to be. The doctor prescribes eye-drops, and a patch to cover the injury. Then Martin offends the local vicar who is due to conduct the wedding ceremony. He suggests he has a drinking problem. But when he goes to the church to try to placate him, Martin catches him red handed with a bottle of whisky.

Season 4

23. "Better the Devil"
Life in the beautiful Cornish village of Portwenn has become ever more infuriating for Dr. Martin Ellingham since the heart-wrenching decision to call off his marriage to local headmistress Louisa. Louisa has left the village, and Martin has begun to question what keeps him in Cornwall. It's certainly not his relentlessly annoying patients. Mrs Tishell's husband Clive returns to his wife and concerns the doctor with his lack of hearing. Martin's ex-fiancee Dr. Edith Montgomery aids a patient of his, and the pair immediately come to a disagreement over the patient's need for an operation.

24. "Uneasy Lies the Head"
Dr. Martin Ellingham struggles to deal with Louisa's news. But Louisa is adamant she does not want Martin involved. Auntie Joan, however, is highly insistent that she help Louisa through the pregnancy.

25. "Perish Together as Fools"
Dr. Martin Ellingham is shocked to find Louisa and Aunt Joan knocking at his door before the Surgery has opened. Louisa has had a medical scare and wants Martin's reassurance that everything is fine. PC Joe Penhale's big brother Sam comes to Portwenn. Louisa moves in with an old man who wants to move to a nursing home, but whom Martin refuses that request. The doctor is less than pleased when he hears the surgery needs to be re-decorated. Al Large goes to lengths in order to convince Pauline he is good enough for her.

26. "Driving Mr. McLynn"
Dr. Martin Ellingham is called to Louisa's new home after she has a dizzy spell while shifting furniture. Martin urges her to slow down, but is shocked to learn that Louisa has applied to be her school's headteacher again, with the previous one getting porphyria and having to leave. Martin refuses an application to an elderly couple for a disabled parking badge when the wheelchair bound man refuses to prove he is indeed disabled, thus when Martin tries to gain proof anyway, he ends up stabbing the man in his hand with a needle.

27. "The Departed"
Dr. Martin Ellingham is in London to meet Robert Dashwood, who is leading the selection process for the prestigious Imperial College London surgeon's job that Martin has applied for. Robert can tell that Martin is excited to be back in the world of surgery, and is pleased that Martin has finally conquered his debilitating blood phobia. Robert is confident that Martin will get the job. Meanwhile, a family sues Joan after she locks their highly troublesome child in her chicken coop.

28. "Midwife Crisis"
Dr. Martin Ellingham meets Portwenn's new midwife, Molly, who will be looking after Louisa. Martin is dismissive of her profession and irritated by her sexist attitude towards him and by her insistence that men aren't needed to help pregnant women. Thus the two of them do not hit it of.

29. "Do Not Disturb"
Dr. Martin Ellingham seeks out Louisa to talk about his new surgeon's job at Imperial College London, but they are interrupted by Bert, who wants to plan a baby shower for Louisa. Joan opens up her house to the public as a B&B, and her first guest is an old friend with disgusting breath and a constipation issue. Martin and Pauline exchange angry words when she discovers a letter offering him a job at Imperial College London, with Martin incensed that she opened his mail in the first place.

30. "The Wrong Goodbye"
Dr. Martin Ellingham and Pauline are surprised by the number of patients coming to see him on the last day before his Surgery closes and he moves to London, but after a series of mishaps, including the taxi driver crashing his car with Louisa inside it, Louisa goes into labour and the Doc is facing a dilemma; should he move away or stick around to support Louisa and their newborn child?

Season 5

31. "Preserve the Romance"
Dr. Martin Ellingham is struggling to come to terms with fatherhood. The baby boy born to him and his estranged partner, Louisa Glasson, is about to change their lives dramatically. Doc Martin had planned to resume his high-flying career as a consultant in London. He had packed his bags and moved out of the surgery to make way for the new GP, Dr. Di Dibbs. However Dr. Ellingham begins to have serious doubts about the competency of the new GP after she misdiagnoses a patient, and dishes out prescriptions for totally inappropriate drugs. Dr. Dibbs realizes she has to go, and Dr. Ellingham agrees to resume duties at the surgery until a replacement GP can be found. With all the upheaval the doc is unprepared for a devastating personal blow with the death of Aunt Joan.

32. "Dry Your Tears"
With the departure of Dr. Dibbs, Dr. Ellingham moves back into his old surgery, agreeing to stay for a couple of months until a replacement can be appointed. Determined to get to grips with fatherhood, he asks Louisa to move into his house so he can help to raise their child. He even suggests that Louisa and still un-named "baby" could move to London with him. Aunt Joan's sister Ruth Ellingham (Dame Eileen Atkins) attends the funeral and demonstrates the same cantankerous character as her nephew. She has no more intention of staying in Portwenn than Martin does, but Joan has left her the house and farm.

33. "Born with a Shotgun"
Sleepless nights are taking their toll on Martin and Louisa. Tempers are frayed as they try to find ways to comfort their constantly wailing baby. Aunt Ruth has problems of her own: She is dealing with an intruder on the farm who has stolen the hub caps from her car. The thief is identified as Michael Dunwich, who lives with his mother Shirley on a neighboring farm. Shirley makes an appointment with Martin to discuss the crippling stomach pains she has been suffering. When her son is out of the room, Shirley tells the doc she thinks her son is trying to poison her. The results of the tests on Shirley Dunwich show a heavy concentration of arsenic in her system. The doc immediately calls P.C. Penhale suspecting that Shirley is actually being poisoned by her son!

34. "Mother Knows Best"
It's Portwenn Fun Day and the village is buzzing with excitement about this major fund raising event. P.C. Penhale is in his element rallying the runners and whipping up support. The event sparks culinary rivalry between Bert Large (Ian McNeice) who runs Large's restaurant with son Al (Joe Absolom) and Mark (Tim Goodman Hill), the landlord of the Crab and Lobster pub. Louisa's mum Eleanor (Louise Jameson) arrives in Portwenn unexpectedly and Louisa is far from happy about her arrival. She hasn't seen her mother for years, so why the sudden interest?

35. "Remember Me"
P.C. Joe Penhale (John Marquez) has an unexpected visitor - his ex-wife Maggie (Julie Graham). She appears to have completely forgotten that they split up a couple of years ago. When he tries to tell her they are no longer married she accuses him of over-reacting, and wants to know why he packed his bags and left her. Joe struggles with a mixture of distress and elation at seeing Maggie again. He has thought about her every day since they parted. He realizes she is clearly not well, and tries discreetly to ask Dr. Ellingham about her symptoms without telling him that he is talking about his ex-wife. Meanwhile, Martin and Louisa's baby still doesn't have a name, and P. C. Penhale warns them that time is running out. If they don't register a name for the baby soon the State will step in and name the baby. After protracted discussions the couple finally reaches an agreement.

36. "Don't Let Go"
P.C. Joe Penhale is desperate to keep Maggie and show her he's changed; that he's the macho husband she wants. But Maggie plans to return to Bude. Penhale resorts to desperate measures to convince her to stay, including surreptitiously paying people to be nasty to her so he can step in and assert his authority, and show her he can be tough. Aunt Ruth uncovers a chest of family heirlooms when she clears out a barn at the farm, including photos as Martin as a six-year-old schoolboy. The photos bring back poignant memories of an unhappy childhood for Martin and it prompts him to think of registering their son for boarding school. But Louisa is horrified at the thought of sending him miles away to school. Tension is mounting between Louisa and Martin. They can't seem to agree on anything. The final straw for Louisa comes when she discovers Martin has set a date for their baby's christening without even consulting her. Louisa decides she has had enough. She packs a bag, and takes the baby back home to her mum.

37. "Cats & Sharks"
Bert Large's restaurant business is in financial trouble. He can't even afford the food and drink for a charity event to raise money for Florence Dingle's (Anne Reid) cat sanctuary. Mrs. Dingle is distraught. She desperately needs the money to continue to look after the cats and kittens in her care. Eleanor comes to Bert's rescue with a plan to boost business at the restaurant, suggesting they have a Spanish theme night to attract customers. She rolls up her sleeves and begins preparing for the Spanish feast. But she begins to feel very ill and Louisa insists she must see the doc. Morwenna calls an ambulance, but the Doc decides there is no alternative: he must operate now on Eleanor in his surgery or she could die. Dr. Martin Ellingham is planning to leave Portwenn in a week's time to resume his career as a surgeon, leaving Louisa and the baby in the village. They have the christening to organize before he leaves. But as usual the doc shows little interest in the event, leaving it all to Louisa.

38. "Ever After"
Mrs. Tishell's (Selina Cadell) long-standing crush on Dr. Martin Ellingham takes a dramatic turn in this final episode in the series. Fueled by a cocktail of drugs Mrs. Tishell can no longer hide her unrequited love for the doc, and decides she must take drastic action. Her husband Clive (Malcolm Storry) arrives back unexpectedly from his work on the oil rigs announcing his intention to retire so they can spend more time together. It's now or never for Mrs. Tishell to make her romantic notions of a relationship with the doc come true. With Doc and Louisa's baby in her care, she boards a bus out of the village leaving an enigmatic message for Dr. Ellingham to meet them at the castle.

LEAVE A COMMENT

Hello tuuts,
Thanks for getting in touch. We'll be getting season 5 of Doc Martin some time in April and you can expect the show to start airing early May. After we run out of current Doc Martin episodes we'll be airing Martin Clunes's earlier series William & Mary in the Thursdays @ 8pm spot, until we get season 5. Thanks for tuning in!

I have been looking forward to Season 5 of Doc Martin, but for various reasons have had to miss the first three episodes. Would it be possible for you to have previous episodes available online for a while after they have been on the air? (And if you don't do this now, is there any reason why you can't do it in the future?) I would appreciate an answer from the KCET Site Staff. Thank you.
SKS

"Doc Martin" is a catchy comedy that stars Martin Clunes as Martin Ellingham, whose truculence and tactlessness causes mayhem in a small Cornish community.

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